With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the pressure to show up polished, cozy, and effortlessly stylish is very real. Whether you’re eating at home, joining a sprawling family dinner, heading to a chic Friendsgiving, or meeting your partner’s family for the first time, the holiday has quietly become a fashion moment. And this year, we’re looking to someone who has mastered the art of personal style: Ro Brahmand, the Substack bestselling fashion creator whose high/low styling, cultural commentary, and vintage-first aesthetic have built a devoted audience across TikTok, Instagram, and her widely-followed Substack blog, Fixated.
Coming off a high-end Paris Fashion Week run last month, and heading into a holiday season filled with major campaigns, exclusive brand dinners, and viral style content, Ro knows exactly how to create a look that feels intentional, personal, and photo-ready — without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
Below, she exclusively shares with GRAZIA USA her exact approach to Thanksgiving dressing: the trends she’s gravitating toward, the strategic investment pieces she swears by, and the pieces grounding her own Thanksgiving look. Every insight is pure Ro, and every recommendation is built to help you craft your own unforgettable (and comfortable!) holiday outfit.
The Thanksgiving Dressing Mindset: “Layers Are Essential”
Ro begins with what she calls the universal truth of the holiday: you will arrive freezing and leave overheated.
“Layers are essential. I always arrive freezing and leave overheated (after several rounds of dinner and dessert). Thanksgiving dressing is really about striking that balance between cozy and breathable. I’ll start with something lightweight and add texture through outerwear or knits, knowing half of it will come off once my food coma sets in. Comfort is the non-negotiable foundation because no one looks good when they’re overheating.”
It’s a grounding reminder: no matter how “fashion” your pieces are, they must feel good. Thanksgiving isn’t a runway — but your outfit still deserves intention.
The Trends That Matter Right Now: Plaid, Argyle, and Tactile Texture
Ro is leaning into seasonal classics that feel modern again.
“Plaid and argyle are having such a moment and their timing couldn’t be better for the holidays. Think a midi plaid skirt with knee-high boots and an off-the-shoulder sweater, or a slouchy argyle cardigan with a pair of denim (that you feel amazing/comfortable in) with a chic pair of flats.”
But the trend that’s defining this season most for her? Texture.
“This season is all about tactile dressing. Think: fuzzy, furry, touchable textures that photograph beautifully. A tasselled clutch, a feathered hem, or a faux-fur collar thrown over something simple. And blue is one of my favorite colors at the moment (in really any shade).”
Comfort vs. Chic: The Holiday Equation
Ro breaks down the truth most fashion girls need to hear:
“No matter how good my outfit is, if I’m not comfortable, I’ll never feel like I look good (and that always shows in photos). I’ll spend the whole event thinking about my outfit instead of enjoying myself. The trick is finding ways to feel put-together without sacrificing comfort: think a structured coat with a cinched waist, leggings under an oversized knit, and a fresh blowout. It might sound simple, but comfort is the foundation of confidence and confidence is what makes an outfit truly land.”
The Best High/Low Strategy for Thanksgiving
Ro is meticulous about where to spend vs. save — especially during holiday dressing.
“A good oversized vintage coat (like this Dolce & Gabbana coat or this Gianni Versace jacket) or an amazing purse/clutch will be the best way to spend your vintage designer dollars. A great coat or bag can anchor an entire look, layering seamlessly over any type of outfit, whereas a sweater or top can only go so far.”
A coat or bag isn’t just an accessory — it shapes the whole silhouette and grounds the styling.
How to Add Vintage to Your Thanksgiving Outfit
Ro’s approach to vintage is instinctive rather than prescriptive.
“When I’m vintage shopping, I’m rarely looking for a specific ‘piece.’ I’m more drawn to silhouettes, colors, and patterns that feel relevant to me at the moment. My biggest tip is to play with sizing (some of the best vintage finds have unconventional fits, especially when it comes to outerwear and denim). A slightly exaggerated proportion can make an outfit feel intentional rather than dated.”
She also shared a curated list of vintage pieces she loves for the season, exclusively with GRAZIA — think lace textures, halterneck prints, wool knits, classic vests, and rich outerwear silhouettes. Each piece reflects her instinctive, effortless approach to vintage styling.
Shop Ro’s Thanksgiving vintage saves:
- Khaite Lace Pattern Crop Top, $391.50: SHOP NOW
- Gucci Ponyhair Animal Print T-Strap Pumps, $273.75: SHOP NOW
- If Six Was Nine Vintage Alpha Industries N2B Bomber Fur Jacket, $200: SHOP NOW
- R13 Parka, $385: SHOP NOW
- Marni Virgin Wool Mock Neck Sweater, $260: SHOP NOW
- Ganni Plaid Print Halterneck Top, $61.75: SHOP NOW
- Yves Saint Laurent Vest, $148.50: SHOP NOW
Ro’s Thanksgiving Go-To: The Stirrup Legging
Ro shares with us the one piece she’s wearing on repeat this season:
“I have been obsessed with stirrups lately and I find they are so easy to dress up or down.”
Paired with cozy knits or a tailored coat, they’re the perfect base for any Thanksgiving setting that feels effortless yet intentional.
Shop Ro’s Favorite Stirrups:
Ro-Inspired Thanksgiving Outfit Formulas
Using her insights, here’s how to build Thanksgiving outfits that feel stylish without trying too hard:
At-Home Cozy Dinner
- Slouchy argyle knit
- Comfortable denim or stirrups
- Slingback kitten heel
- Soft textures for warmth
Big Family Gathering
- Draped satin blouse or dress in asymmetric silhouette
- Mid-heel pumps
- Textured top-handle bag
- Light, natural glam
Friendsgiving
- Faux-fur trimmed structured top or coat
- Flowy trousers for breathable comfort
- Square-toe flats
- Textured, gathered handbag
- Minimal accessories to let the textures stand out
Meeting the Partner’s Family
- Collared shirt or sculptural jacket
- Pleated midi skirt
- Sleek ankle booties
- Simple, understated jewelry
- Clean, brushed-back hair
Each option balances Ro’s core pillars: comfort, texture, shape, and a sense of modern nostalgia.
Final Word: Fashion That Lets You Breathe
Ro’s biggest Thanksgiving style lesson is one we all need: be comfortable, be texture-forward, and trust that great styling comes from confidence — not stiffness.
This holiday, let your outfit tell a story (then let yourself enjoy the meal!).
